But days later, an autopsy demonstrated it likely was something else, possibly intentional.

The trajectory indicated someone had fired directly at the Henry Middle School student, according to an article by former Denver Post reporter Marilyn Robinson.

Eric hugged relatives at midnight and ran outside shouting “Happy New Year,” according to a Rocky Mountain News story.

He was outside enjoying the New Year’s Eve festivities with about 10 relatives.

They were setting off fireworks in a grassy area between the street and the sidewalk in front of 2539 Emerson St., a relative’s home.

Eric was on his hands and knees trying to light a firecracker when he suddenly fell over and grabbed his head.

At first the other kids thought he was playing a game. But when they saw he was bleeding, they told adults, according to Robinson’s story.

Someone aimed toward the children and fired. It’s unclear whether the shooter intended to hit one of the children or simply scare them.

According to a Rocky Mountain News report the following year, Eric’s mother Sylvia told police three months after the shooting that she saw a relative leave the house with a gun and bring it back to the house.

The relative denied the gun was his, said it was unloaded and told Sylvia to be quiet about the gun.

Eric had been killed with a large-caliber gun. No one has ever been arrested.

In his short life, Eric had spent a lot of time playing sports including basketball and football. He was often at Stapleton Recreation Center.

Anyone with tips about who killed Marcus are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Call Denver Post staff writer Kirk Mitchell at 303-954-1206 or follow him on Twitter @kmitchellDP.